DE112010004388B4 - DISPLAYING A SYSTEM STATE OF A TREATMENT DEVICE FOR MICROSCOPIC SAMPLES - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for displaying a system state of a multi-step automatic processing device (1) for microscopic samples based on system parameters (121, 122, 123) of the processing device (1), comprising the following steps:
a) determining (120) at least one system parameter (121, 122, 123),
b) evaluating (130) at least one specific (120) system parameter (121, 122, 123) on the basis of evaluation criteria,
c) assessing (140) the system state based on at least one evaluated (130) system parameter (121, 122, 123) and
d) displaying (150) the assessed (140) system state by a traffic light function (175) with display states, wherein the display is performed across process steps, and wherein exactly one error button (51) with traffic light function (175) or the traffic light function (175) in the form of exactly one Error button (51) is realized either separately or on a screen display means (50) in the form of a display and input means, wherein the error button can take various display states and by selecting the error button (51) displays information on the assessed system state and / or the associated process step be or will.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for displaying a system state of an automatic processing device with a plurality of process steps for microscopic samples, a corresponding display system, which is set up to carry out the method, and a treatment device equipped with the display system.

Such microscopic specimen treatment devices are known per se from the prior art. This may in particular be an automatic embedding device, a stainer and / or a coverslipper. The treatment device can therefore consist of one or more such machines. In the simplest case, the treatment device consequently consists for example of an automatic embedding device which prepares a sample for a subsequent microtome section in several process steps. Such a tissue processor for biological or histological samples is from the DE 10 2005 057 191 A1 known. The same applies to a stainer and a coverslipper. The mentioned machines can also be combined to form one device. A treatment device in the sense of the present application can therefore also be such a combined device, ie for example a combined dyeing and coverslipper in which a sample is processed in several process steps, in which case the samples first the stainer and then the coverslipper for application from coverslips to the stained sample.

With regard to the structure and operation of dyeing and coverslipping machines per se and in combination with each other is based on the German patent DE 101 44 989 B4 explicitly referred to, which relates to a system for processing specimens arranged on slides for a subsequent microscopic examination, said system comprising a separately formed in a housing and independently working stainer for staining the preparations, wherein a plurality of slides are arranged in a rack and the staining process go through in this rack. Furthermore, the system has a transport device for transporting the rack in the stainer and a separately designed and independently operating coverslipper for applying coverslips on the colored preparations. Dyeing machine and coverslipper are arranged side by side and contain mutually facing side openings through which a transport device designed as a robot arm can transfer a rack from the stainer directly into the coverslipper. With regard to the exact sequence of the individual process steps which a microscopic sample undergoes in this case, reference should once again be made expressly to this document.

Similar systems for staining and covering microscopic specimens on slides are known from DE 101 44 042 A1 as well as from the DE 201 22 727 U known.

Embedding devices, also known as embedding machines or tissue processors, are used in routine clinical diagnostics to prepare samples for microscopic examination.

To obtain thin and uniform microtome sections in histopathology, the material to be examined must have stability and a uniform consistency or strength. For this purpose, for example, frequently a tissue infiltration with hot paraffin wax (hereinafter also referred to more generally as "paraffin") is made.

Since paraffin is not water-soluble, (for example, formalin-fixed) tissue is first dehydrated as gently as possible in an ascending alcohol series (with increasing concentration of methanol or ethanol). After dehydration, the most anhydrous alcohol of the last dehydration step is removed by a so-called intermediate medium (for example xylene or a mixture of xylenes) which absorbs paraffin-miscible and additionally contains the last remaining water. The intermediate medium is then replaced by hot paraffin wax, often by vacuum infiltration.

The paraffin-soaked tissue pieces can now be processed into cut paraffin blocks, cut, and transferred to slides. After deparaffinization, staining, coverslipping, etc., the sections are available for light microscopic examination.

A tissue processor, which allows a largely automatic processing of samples, is in the Leica document "Leica ASP 300", Leica Microsystems Nußloch GmbH, Order no. 0704-2-1-103, 04/2001, presented and described. The tissue processor has a retort as a processing station for the samples. The retort is connected via a hose or pipe system to several standardized reagent reservoirs. A pump system with an electronic controller automatically pumps the reagents from the reservoirs to the retort and back.

Although the present invention in the context of this application primarily with respect to Paraffin infiltration is described, it is also suitable for other infiltration methods, for example, for embedding in synthetic resin.

The embedding method explained above has a number of critical steps or process variables.

As mentioned, the residual water in the tissue sample to be embedded must be removed as completely as possible due to the poor miscibility of water and paraffin wax before infiltration, otherwise the cuttability and the quality of the sample are impaired. However, in practice, there is often a carry-over of water from the lower-concentration stages of the alcohol gradient into the pure alcohol of the last dehydration stage. Also due to the hygroscopic properties of e.g. Ethanol has the last alcohol level often residual water.

Although, as mentioned, residual water can be partly removed from the tissue samples by the intermediary medium. However, to ensure the highest possible reproducibility and process reliability, it must be ensured that the target concentrations of the components of the alcohol series are maintained as precisely as possible. This can, as in the not yet published applications DE 10 2008 054 071 and DE 10 2008 054 066 disclosed, for example, a concentration and / or purity of a process medium and / or a characteristic property thereof are detected.

The xylene often used as an intermediate is flammable and has a harmful effect on absorption through the skin and the respiratory tract. In an air volume fraction of 1 to 8 percent, xylene forms explosive mixtures. The xylene contamination from the used Intermedium is therefore as far as possible to limit to a minimum. Also during the transition from the intermediate medium to the infiltration medium, carryover problems can occur which lead to an increasing xylene enrichment in the paraffin wax used below. Therefore, if the embedded sample is removed from the tissue processor at the end of processing, the user may be exposed to harmful xylene vapors. Excessive xylene concentration in the infiltration medium may further affect sample quality and subsequent cuttability.

Therefore, it is desirable to minimize paraffin xylene concentration, at least in the final sample. For this purpose, for example, a method for processing tissue samples may be used in which between the xylene or Intermedienbehandlungsschritt and the treatment of the tissue samples with a carrier material (for example, paraffin wax) a carrier material protecting reagent is used, in which intermedium and carrier material are miscible (see the not yet published application DE 10 2009 025 574 ).

Furthermore, for this purpose, a method may be used, is used in the carrier material or carrier materials of different purity for different infiltration steps. The carrier material with the highest purity (ie with the least contamination by the Intermedium) is used at the end (see the not yet published application DE 10 2008 039 875 ).

Exposing the user to damaging influences from process media and the like can also be avoided, for example, by structural safety measures (see, for example, the not yet published application DE 2008 039 876 ).

On the basis of the parameters or process parameters explained above, for example a concentration of an alcohol solution or a temperature of the paraffin, the skilled user can judge in principle whether the embedding device is in a functional state. However, as far as can be seen by the routine user at all, such an assessment in common tissue processors is difficult and cumbersome.

For currently available embedding devices for microscopic samples, an error code is entered in an error log in the event of an error. The user has to select this error code in a software, usually via submenus, and then assess whether and, if so, what measures are to be taken. However, such an evaluation can only be carried out by specialist personnel by means of specialist knowledge. Searching submenus for an error code is cumbersome and confusing.

The presented error determination is perceived by the user as not very user-friendly. Therefore, in routine operation, the functional state of the Bette device is often ignored, which can lead to a deterioration of the sample quality, to health impairments and / or equipment damage.

The EP 1 919 132 A1 relates to a computer-implemented diagnostic method for a fieldbus system. In this method, the states of the bus subscribers are recorded, a data packet transmitted between the bus subscribers over the fieldbus is detected and analyzed and, depending on the previous state of the bus Bus subscribers and the contents of the data packet derived an updated state of the bus participants. With this method, the current states of the bus subscribers are continuously recorded, classified into categories such as "trouble-free operation", "irregularities in operation" and "errors occurred" and, for example, in color in the form of a traffic light function with assignment of the colors green, yellow and red to the respective bus subscribers are displayed.

The EP 1 569 181 A1 relates to a home monitoring system including a refrigerator and a plurality of sensors, each monitoring a condition remote from the refrigerator and generating a signal representative of the condition, means being provided for transmitting the signals to a computer controlling the display means on the refrigerator. According to this document, conditions in the house or in the refrigerator itself are monitored by means of said sensors, and on the said display device on the refrigerator information is displayed, which relate to a state in or at home or in the refrigerator itself. The display device may have a plurality of LEDs, wherein for a given state a "traffic light" with the colors green, yellow and red can be provided. The display is based on the respectively monitored component of the house.

The DE 10 2006 030 895 A1 generally concerns the diagnosis of individual attributes that are important for the functioning of a system or the monitoring of a system. The measuring arrangement described therein comprises at least one sensor for detecting a measured variable and outputting a measured variable-dependent sensor signal. Furthermore, a data processing unit is provided which evaluates the sensor signal, the data processing unit comprising a data memory in which different types of operating data of the sensor are stored. The data processing unit determines values for at least two different state variables of the measuring arrangement, wherein values of at least two different types of operating data are received in each of these state variables. The data processing unit classifies a state of the measuring arrangement based on the values of the at least two state variables and outputs the result of this classification.

There is a need for a user-friendly display of system states of automated microscopic specimen treatment facilities based on detected system parameters that allows a quick response by a user.

Against this background, the present invention provides a method of displaying a system state of a multi-process automated processing device for microscopic samples based on system parameters of the processing device, a display system adapted to perform the method, and a corresponding microscopic sample processing device having the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are given in the respective dependent claims and will be explained in the following description.

According to the invention, a method is proposed in which at least one system parameter is determined to display a system state of an automatic treatment device for microscopic samples based on system parameters of the treatment device, then at least one of the determined system parameters is evaluated and an assessment of the system state is made on the basis of at least one evaluated system parameter , The assessed system state is then displayed by means of a traffic light function with preferably a plurality of display states, the display being carried out across process steps.

In the context of the present application, a "process step across display" is understood to mean a display that does not specifically take place for each process step of the treatment device. Rather, the display of the assessed system status is made on a cross-level of the several process steps level. For example, in the event of an error, an indicator symbol (for example, a red warning triangle) is displayed, so that the user can immediately recognize that the treatment device is in a faulty state. On the display, a location is preferably reserved exclusively for the display icon. The user therefore does not have to select different sub-menus associated with the process steps in order to be able to check whether the treatment device is in a faulty or functional state.

By "process step across display" is in an automatic treatment device, which includes several machines or processors, for example, the aforementioned embedding and / or stainer and / or coverslipper, means that an indication of the system state of the multi-part treatment device takes place. In other words, it is therefore not necessary to equip the individual devices, such as embedding machine, stainer or automatic coverslipper, each with traffic lights, but it is sufficient and appropriate, a single cross-over To provide traffic lights on one of the devices or at another suitable location.

In the context of the present application, the terms "automaton" and "processor" are to be used synonymously. Microscopic samples go through several process steps in each machine; The same applies to treatment facilities that contain several machines in combination.

By means of the present invention, the user of an automatic processing device for microscopic samples is provided with rapid, directly evaluable information as to whether the device in question is in a functional state.

Software for the mentioned treatment facilities is usually organized in screens that correspond, for example, each specific processing or process steps and / or system components. By means of the invention, for example, an error button visible and accessible on each screen page can now be displayed as a means for displaying a judged system status which is provided with a traffic light function. This has, for example, the colors or display states "red", "yellow" and "green" corresponding to three different assessment classes of system states. If the error button is in a first display state "green", the user can assume that the system is working without errors. When "Yellow" is displayed, there are errors or malfunctions, which, however, do not require immediate action. However, a yellow user should consider, for example, either changing parameters on the device in the near future, exchanging process media used, or initiating a service function such as an automatic cleaning procedure.

In contrast to the prior art, in which, as mentioned, an entry initially awkward in an error log sought, identified and interpreted must be a user based on the present invention, even without special knowledge, purely intuitively assess whether the corresponding system is working properly. In the presence of disturbances, i. For example, in the case of a display state such as "yellow" or "red", the user can then consult a specialist or analyze the underlying problem itself and respond to it.

If the traffic light function is implemented in the form of a fault button on one or each screen page, the user can click on this button, for example, and receives information about the assessed system state, such as a detailed analysis of the underlying problem (s) and / or the submenu which indicates the problematic process step. The error button can also be executed separately, for example as a button on the device, which flashes, for example (red), if there is a problem or an error. The error button implements a display and input means which establishes interactivity with the user. The user can then, for example, perform a software-driven change of system parameters, wherein a classification of users in service levels with graduated information and interaction options based on a user identification can be advantageous. In this context, for example, the activation of a remote diagnostic function may be appropriate, by means of which the user a central service point (service provider and / or manufacturer) with the detailed system diagnosis or maintenance, even online, mandated.

If the traffic light function in the form of said error button or another display symbol is implemented on a screen display, this may be, for example, a warning triangle or a warning circuit. When classifying the system state into two or more rating classes, appropriate colors or hatches can be selected. For example, it may be provided to display the error button or the display symbol only in the case of a problem, wherein a low-critical system state, for example, in a first color (gray or yellow), a critical system state, however, in a second color (for example, red) is displayed. As already mentioned, such an error button can be selected appropriately, wherein when using a touch screen as a screen display ("touch screen") the error button can also be selected by simply tapping, with the user's finger or with another input means. When selecting the error button - as already mentioned - error information and / or the faulty process step are displayed. In particular, in the latter case, the user is guided in an advantageous embodiment to the corresponding submenu, whereby the user can quickly decide which steps are necessary for problem or error correction.

The present invention includes that first at least one system parameter of the treatment device is determined. Advantageously, this is a system-critical parameter that could lead to failure of the system in case of failure, damage to a sample to be processed and / or to a health impairment of the user.

The determined system parameters, which are preferably detected by sensors, are then evaluated on the basis of predefined evaluation criteria. The evaluation criteria can already now lead to a classification of the system parameters, for example by determining a criticality class corresponding to previously defined criticality levels for individual system parameters. For example, in the event that a particular system parameter could lead to damage to the treatment facility, the criticality class "high" can be assigned to this parameter in the event of an error. Other parameter deviations, such as a slight overshoot of a threshold (see below), could be assigned to the criticality class "low-critical".

The evaluation of the system parameters is preferably carried out by comparison with setpoint or threshold values that were previously defined, for example, by the user or device manufacturer. In particular, these may also be application-specific or sample-specific desired or threshold values. For example, depending on processed samples, a stricter or less stringent classification of the parameter deviations can take place. For example, if the material is particularly sensitive, non-replaceable, a system error or parameter deviation that would normally lead to a "low-critical" rating can be considered critical.

On the basis of the evaluation of the system parameters individually, in groups or in total and / or correspondingly classified, an assessment of the system status based on at least one of the evaluated system parameters now takes place. Advantageously, this can be an assessment based on the principle of the most critical error, with a parameter deviation assessed as "critical" in the course of the evaluation already leading to an assessment of the system state as "critical". In particular, an integrated consideration of the assessed parameters can take place; Thus, for example, due to several, in itself error-critical errors or parameter deviations that could have a disadvantageous effect on the overall system due to their cumulative effect, an assessment of the overall condition as "critical" done.

Depending on the system state assessed in this way, as mentioned, an indication of the assessed state takes place in the form of a traffic light function, the traffic light function having display states.

It is particularly advantageous, as previously mentioned, to assess the system state by classifying the system state into at least two assessment classes. In the simplest case, these are the assessment classes "uncritical" or "error-free" and "critical" or "error". Alternatively, a display of an uncritical or error-free state can be dispensed with. In this case, it makes sense to define at least two assessment classes, namely "critical to criticism" or "problematic" and "critical" or "error". However, it should be understood that the inventive method, as further explained below, can also be used for a fine classification in any number of gradations, wherein individual criticality levels can each be summarized in groups.

With particular advantage, the display of the system state thus takes place by means of a traffic light function, which has a number of display states, which corresponds to the number of assessment classes. As mentioned above, this representation makes it possible to communicate the system status to a user in a particularly simple and rapid manner without the latter having to analyze the assessment classes and / or parameters underlying the message.

It is particularly advantageous to use a traffic light function with display states which correspond to displayed colors, in particular "red", "yellow" and "green", and / or gray levels. By such a function, which is understandable for a user in critical situations at any time and from daily life, a very simple and understandable implementation of the system assessment in the form of "uncritical" or "error-free" as "green", "critical "As" yellow "and" critical "or" error "as" red "done. Alternatively, a display of a non-critical or error-free state can be dispensed with. Furthermore, instead of "yellow", a light gray may appear and / or a darker gray or black instead of "red". Of course, other color or grayscale assignments for the above display conditions are possible. Finally, hatching and / or geometric figures can additionally or alternatively be used.

Advantageously, the display states may include other states. A corresponding traffic light function is therefore expediently equipped with display states by means of which intermediate states can be displayed. Advantageously, this can be done, for example, by flashing and / or simultaneous display of multiple colors, displaying mixed or intermediate colors or intermediate gray levels. Thus, for example, a traffic light function with a red, flashing display can be used to signal a particularly critical condition, as a result of which immediate measures must be taken to prevent damage. A "yellow / green" condition may indicate a potentially occurring condition shortly, but no action is needed at the moment. If, for example due to system failures, communication problems or implausible sensor values, a determination of a system parameter, an evaluation or an assessment is not possible, this can be symbolized, for example, by flashing all three colors red, yellow and green and / or by simultaneously displaying these colors (" undefined system state "). Intermediate values between any two of the three levels can be signaled by displaying both colors simultaneously or the corresponding color mixture.

With particular advantage, the method can be used in a treatment device in which a purity and / or a concentration of at least one used process medium is determined as at least one system parameter. Such a treatment device is in particular an embedding device and / or a stainer.

By "process medium" in this case, for example, all solutions used in an embedding device, such as said alcohol / water mixtures of different concentrations, xylene, liquid paraffin wax, formalin and the like understood. As mentioned, for example, carryover of water to the higher grade alcohol solutions or carryover of xylene to a paraffin wax in embedding equipment is critical and may be detected by the present invention and displayed to the user. In a stainer, "process medium" would mean the corresponding stains; in a coverslipper, the coverslips and, if necessary, adhesives.

With particular advantage, the method also includes determining the age and / or an existing residual quantity of at least one process medium used in the treatment device as at least one system parameter. For example, if a prescribed age, i. a storage time or duration of use, an ethanol solution exceeded, if necessary, its water content can be above the set point (hygroscopic effect). Certain solutions used in an embedding device or a stainer also have best before dates. These best before dates can be recorded in the device (for example by barcode or RFID chip) and stored there. If the best before date of the corresponding process medium is almost reached, whereby possibly also a detected temperature is taken into account, this is indicated by the display status "yellow" of the traffic light function. If the expiry date has been exceeded, the display will show "Red". Similarly, the display function can also be used to notify if a process media supply is nearly exhausted ("yellow") or spent ("red") and therefore needs to be replaced. Consumption of a process medium can be determined by calculating the duration until consumption after replacing the same (eg new processor kit with a solution or a colorant) based on the quantity and average consumption. Alternatively, of course, the level can be sensed.

In particular, it is advantageous to document problems and errors as well as their correction in an automatic treatment device. It can then be determined exactly at which time which samples were treated with which process medium. As a result, a proper procedure can be demonstrated at a later date. At the same time, it can also be documented whether certain treated objects were subject to a problematic or critical system state.

With particular advantage, a temperature of at least one process medium used in the treatment device and / or at least one system component can also be determined in the context of the method according to the invention. For example, as mentioned, infiltration of histological samples is routinely done with paraffin wax maintained at a predetermined temperature. If this temperature is undershot, the infiltration capacity of the paraffin wax is reduced, which can also be signaled by a display "yellow", or, in the case of strong deviation, "red". If a desired temperature is exceeded, damage to the embedding medium or the sample material could possibly result, which is likewise signaled accordingly.

In this context, it can prove to be particularly advantageous if at least one sample state of samples processed in the treatment device is determined and signaled. This may be a particular advantage of a residence time of samples. If, for reasons not necessarily known, a duration of one of the mentioned steps is exceeded, this too can be displayed to the user in the form of the traffic light function.

As mentioned, a display system for a treatment device, which is set up for carrying out the method and a corresponding treatment device are also the subject of the invention. For features and advantages of the display system and the treatment device is to Avoiding repetition expressly referred to the previously explained method features.

In particular, a display system according to the invention has screen display means as a means for representing the classified system state, whereby the invention can be realized with particular advantage also in already existing treatment facilities (possibly retrofitted).

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The invention is illustrated schematically with reference to an embodiment in the drawing and will be described in detail below with reference to the drawing. The described embodiment relates to an automatic embedding device, whereby the invention should not be limited. As already emphasized several times, the invention is also suitable for a stainer or a coverslipper and expressly refers to these machines. Furthermore, as already mentioned, the invention is also suitable for combinations of two or more such machines, such as embedding device, stainer, automatic coverslipper, and expressly also refers to such combinations. Merely for the sake of clarity, the invention will be explained below with reference to one of these machines, namely an embedding device.

list of figures

• 1 shows an embedding device having a display system according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention.
• 2 shows a running according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention method.

In 1 is one as a tissue processor 1 provided embedding device. The tissue processor 1 has a retort 2 for processing samples and a control device 5 on. The tissue processor 1 is with an excerpt 4 equipped with telescopic rails 8th with the housing of the tissue processor 1 is ally. The extract 4 has two floors arranged one above the other 17 as a support for several process media or reagent storage containers 3 , a closed front 7 and two freely accessible side surfaces 6 on. About the side surface 6 is a free access to the reagent reservoirs 3 possible for exchange. The reagent reservoirs 3 are each via a connecting piece 18 connected to a transport system via which the reagents used in each case from the reagent storage containers 3 in the retort 2 and be transported back from there.

On the front side 7 of the extract 4 is a swivel lever 9 arranged mechanically with a locking pin 10 for locking the drawer 4 in the housing of the tissue processor 1 connected is. The lever 9 also serves as a handle to move the statement 4 ,

The control device 5 has a display 50 on which an error button 51 is pictured. error button 51 has in this embodiment according to a display state of a traffic light function, the colors "red", "yellow" or "green" or changes, as already explained above, between different display states. Instead of a Einzelbuttons can of course also be provided a known traffic light display with three color fields, which are activated in response to the traffic light function and / or light up.

By the error button 51 For example, it may be displayed if a reagent is in a reagent reservoir 3 is almost or completely exhausted or the extract 4 of the tissue processor 1 was opened without permission. The storage vessels 3 can, for example, sensors 31 by means of which a purity, a temperature and / or a concentration of the process media contained therein can be determined and evaluated. Well-known sensors for determining temperature or concentration values, such as photometric, conductometric and / or potentiometric probes, can be used here, even in combination. Also, detection of temperature and / or air contamination (such as by xylene) within the digest 4 as by a sensor 41 shown is possible.

In 2 is a method that proceeds according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, shown schematically, and designated 100 in total.

The method advantageously runs cyclically, in particular on the basis of a diagnostic or system clock, wherein a waiting function 160 or a corresponding waiting step 160 can be implemented. At the start 110 every cycle, the process is in a ground state. In step 120 System parameters are determined by inputs 121 to 123 are illustrated. The system parameters are, as previously explained, in step 130 evaluated, for example, classified and / or divided into criticality levels.

In step 140 an assessment of the system condition is made based on at least one of step 130 evaluated system parameter. In step 140 You can also make further entries 141 such as system values or user input. The further inputs can in particular also be used to influence the assessment of the system state, wherein, as mentioned, for example, special sample properties or sample requirements can be taken into account. In step 150 an indication of the assessed system state by a traffic light function having corresponding display states, preferably in the form of a corresponding traffic light display 175 , preferably on a display 170 ,

At the same time, for example, when a system state is judged to be critical, a system function 180 , For example, an emergency stop and / or an alarm function, are initiated.

In particular, it makes sense, after passing through a diagnostic loop, for example in the waiting step 160 to save the recorded and assessed system state for documentation purposes. The data to be stored contain, in particular, information about the type and condition of the process media used and the samples that pass through the treatment facility. In this way, it is possible to document precisely at a later point in time to a particular sample, which processes with which process media has passed through this sample.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Treatment device, embedding device

2

retort

3

Reagent storage

4

abstract

5

control device

6

Excerpt side face

7

Extract front

8th

telescopic rails

9

pivoting lever

10

locking bolt

17

support base

18

spigot

50

display

51

error button

100

notification procedures

110

beginning

120

determination

121, 122, 123

inputs

130

Evaluate

140

judge

141

further inputs

150

Show

160

wait step

170

display

175

Traffic Light

180

system function

Claims (17)

A method for displaying a system state of a multi-step automatic processing device (1) for microscopic samples based on system parameters (121, 122, 123) of the processing device (1), comprising the following steps: a) determining (120) at least one system parameter (121, 122, 123), b) evaluating (130) at least one specific (120) system parameter (121, 122, 123) on the basis of evaluation criteria, c) assessing (140) the system state based on at least one evaluated (130) system parameter (121, 122, 123) and d) displaying (150) the assessed (140) system state by a traffic light function (175) with display states, wherein the display is performed across process steps, and wherein exactly one error button (51) with traffic light function (175) or the traffic light function (175) in the form of exactly one Error button (51) is realized either separately or on a screen display means (50) in the form of a display and input means, wherein the error button can take various display states and by selecting the error button (51) displays information on the assessed system state and / or the associated process step be or will. Method according to Claim 1 wherein evaluating (140) the system state includes classifying the system state into at least two rating classes. Method according to Claim 2 wherein for displaying (150) the system state, a traffic light function (175) having one of the number of assessment classes corresponding number of display states is used. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a traffic light function (175) is used, in which at least part of the display states correspond to displayed colors, in particular red, yellow and green, and / or gray levels. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display states include intermediate states and a traffic light function (175) is used, in which the intermediate states correspond to flashing and / or simultaneously displaying multiple colors or mixed colors or intermediate colors or intermediate gray levels. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein as at least one system parameter (121, 122, 123), a purity and / or concentration of at least one used process medium is determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein as at least one system parameter (121, 122, 123) an age and / or a residual amount of at least one used process medium is determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein as at least one system parameter (121, 122, 123) a temperature of at least one used process medium and / or at least one system component is determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sample state of a sample processed in the treatment device is determined as at least one system parameter (121, 122, 123). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the traffic light function (175) is used, by means of which the particular (120) and / or assessed (130) system parameters (121, 122, 123) are displayed, in particular on the basis of a user input. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an automatic embedding device (1) and / or a stainer and / or a coverslipper is used as the treatment device (1) with several process steps for microscopic specimens. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the traffic light function (175) is realized with two display states. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the traffic light function (175) is realized with exactly one display symbol, wherein the display symbol can in particular represent a circular or triangular area. Display system set up for an automatic processing device (1) with a plurality of process steps for microscopic samples, which is set up for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims. A display system adapted for an automatic treatment device (1) having a plurality of process steps for microscopic samples, by means of which a system state of the treatment device (1) can be represented on the basis of system parameters (121, 122, 123), comprising: a) means (31, 41) for determining (120) at least one system parameter (121, 122, 123), b) means for evaluating (130) at least one specific (120) system parameter (121, 122, 123) on the basis of evaluation criteria, c) means for assessing (140) the system state based on at least one evaluated (130) system parameter (121, 122, 123) and d) means (50, 51) for representing the assessed (140) system state in the form of a traffic light function (175), wherein the representation process step across steps, wherein as means (50, 51) for representing the classified system state and / or the associated process step either exactly one separately formed error button and / or exactly one error button (51) is provided on a screen display means (50) in the form of a display and input means, wherein the error button (51) with the traffic light function or the traffic light function (175) in the form of a fault button ( 51) is realized, and wherein the error button (51) can assume different display states and by selecting the Fehlerbuttons (51) information on the assessed system state and / or the associated process step are displayed or is. Display system according to Claim 15 in which the screen display means (50) for displaying the classified system state displays one or more display symbols, in particular in a circle or triangular form. Treatment device (1) with a plurality of process steps for microscopic samples, in particular automatic embedding device (1) and / or stainer and / or coverslipper, which is a display system according to one of Claims 14 to 16 having.

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